How do Europeans feel about Americans?

Here in Denmark it's like a public hobby to criticize the USA for everything - like the case is with our public transportation and the weather. :)

Americans are overall looked at as very shallow, materialistic and selfish people in Denmark, I think. And at some point I don't think this picture is so wrong..

I really can't see anything cultural about the States.. Just a huge crazy mix-up of everything and everyone..
It's like discussing the high, cultural level of the 'Australians' for two hundred years ago, when they arrived there from Great Britain and elsewhere. The cultural sides of their living were all things they had taken with them from elsewhere.

Also, I'm very little impressed of American traditions and history, in the same way.

A whole lot of criticism, I know, but Americans really have to revidate their thinking of themselves..

but true

obviously you can have any opinion you want but don't forget that the fact that other people live different, think different and behave different, doesn't mean that these people have lower culture than ours, it means they are different and have a different culture. Which culture is higher it's impossible to say. A German will say his culture is higher than the other cultures, so would most of the Poles, Brits, French etc...You believe Americans don't have any culture because you grew up in Europe, probably Poland and you're not used to the American culture. Unfortunately you believe what majority of "word of mouth" people spread but don't forget that following other people opinions won't raise your own culture and certainly not your intelligence.

so do you about yourself

Justyna, you've got me all wrong.
My point is that I can't see a kind of 'American culture' as it's all a mix-up of cultural heritages from everywhere.
There's nothing unique about it. It's like a huge bazaar, where you can find anything from anywhere. Some things might be useful, and pretty as well, but in overall it's a bit of a mess.

Just out of curiousity, Jaszczolt, have you spent any real time in the US or is your opinion based on media and word of mouth? I ask this because many people have certain perceptions about the US without ever visiting.

but this is exactly what made this country so successful. Mixung people and cultures this is what the whole world needs. I wish our country would be multicultural and people were more open-minded.

yeah unfortunately

i would like to know what it is really culture for all of you?

Ranj > That comment was only about how people view the Americans around here, as the main question is about. I know they're 'vorurteilen' (prejudicises?), but it may has some truth in it, when you compare typical way of behaviour with people from elsewhere.

Justyna, if you want multi-kulti you can enjoy your life over at countries like the States. Other countries should be left alone to decide what direction they're going.

I haven't been to the States, and don't want to, but here in Denmark we deal with American things constantly, so our general way of thinking isn't just something we imagine about something we don't know anything about.

J. the point is that all the mixed heritages from all over the world are the American culture. You can't assume and think that a country has to be of the same ethnic and racial background to have a culture, like it is still understood in Europe. Since the borders in Europe opened, not only the culture of the countries, but the European culture as a whole is changing. Many people on this forum are strongly resenting it, but hey guys - it's too late now...
Take care of your own yard, before criticizing ours. Funny thing is that most of the people never set their foot on American soil, and just allow the media to mess with their minds. Unfortunately, I see the same in Americans who never went abroad.

here's the medicine people, travel and mix as much as you can

The trouble with Europe in MHO is that it is made up of small Countries who live of the backs of the bigger ones i.e.....Germany France and Britain etc.... That is the only way these countries can throw there weight around and be heard!.....My dads three sisters all married American airmen, and moved to the USA after the WW 2.... So I have spent lots of time there and know alot about them.... the best thing about the Americans is that they have no history!!.... and there for no 'Axes to Grind'.......Alot of the criticism towards them is unjust, and more about jellousy than anything else, they are some of the best people you could hope to meet.....and with the Russians now becoming richer and more aggressive!.... without them us squabbling Europeans would be F-CK-D!

I'm with you! :)
I still have a family in Poland and I want them to be safe.

I agree

Just got back in Justyna69?....been anywhere nice?

I don't think its as much jealousy but politics making it harder for the ordinary folk to get along.

We do, its from all over though :)

good insight and good post.. really :)

I can say for myself, I love meeting Europeans, always welcome them here and
really enjoy hearing about their countries ..

Americans have an admirable ability to put their past grudges behind and look into the future. A German-American can be friends to Polish-American and vice versa.
Too hard for Europeans, there is too much unsettled beefs.

Europeans dont have a sence of humor.....sry

Americans can laugh at each other...

Hell yeah.....and if you can't laugh...then get the hell outta here! ;D

yup... and we laugh at you... we do have a sense of humour its just that as americans are at the recieving end of it the tend to go into denial.... sry

and we are ok with that.....

and we laugh at you too sometimes....so uptight....running hither and thither :D

god dahm right.....

the world is a ***** and I`m a laughing throuh it

is that the best you can do SG... come on, i expect better than that.... :D

that's one of the best ways in my opinion.....either that or Valium! :)
Might as well let it roll ......

and how is our sunny Leo this morning :)

thank you PF forum,,,,

sweetie, darling....think you'd better pop out for some more tea....
obviously youv'e not had enough...try the fennel twig....its very popular at the moment! :)

culture is great!!!!!!!!!!!

what are we giving thanks for? :)